Instructions on writing an article summary.

1. On any assignment,
follow the format.

2. “If You’re Open to Growth, You
Tend to Grow”
By Janet Rae-Dupree
(second reference to adults is just
the last name. “Rae-Dupree wrote
. . . “)
According to research by Stanford
psychologist Carol Dweck . . .

3. Rae-Dupree is writing about
Dweck’s research. You are
quoting Dweck. You should
name her book.
Dweck’s research shows . . . .
She does not “believe”
anything. (That word is not on
the list at the left.)

4. Your opinion does not belong in
an article summary. The only
conclusions you draw are
based on information in the
article.
No “I” anywhere.

5. Main idea: People open to
growth are more innovative
and successful because they
learn from their mistakes and
aren’t afraid to fail, according
to Dweck’s research. People
who think they know
everything do not do as well.

6. Name and define “mind-set”
terms immediately after the
main idea.
According to Dweck, a fixed
mind-set is . . . . On the other
hand, a person with a growth
mind-set . . . .

7. No need to list the examples of
successful business people in
a summary.

8. Dweck suggests “looking for both
talent and a growth mind-set in
prospective hires.”
“People with a growth mind-set
tend to demonstrate the kind of
perseverance and resilience
required to convert life’s setbacks
into future successes,” Rae-
Dupree wrote.

9. “But people who believe that talent can be
developed are the ones who really push,
stretch, confront their own mistakes and
learn from them,” Dweck concluded.
“. . . Having been identified as geniuses, the
anointed become fearful of falling from
grace,” Rae-Dupree wrote.
“It’s hard to move forward creatively and
especially to foster teamwork if each
person is trying to look like the biggest star
in the constellation,” Dweck said.

10. Good last sentence: Can a
person with a fixed mind-set
change to a growth mind-set?
Dweck says yes.
Then quote the last sentence
from the article.